Whitehouse-Crawford mooooved to bring back popular burger night

So many people turned out for Whitehouse-Crawford's first ever burger night last month that operators are serving up seconds.

"Burger Night 2.0" takes place next Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.

The event is a casual affair at the upscale restaurant located in the restored 1905 planing mill at 55 W. Cherry St. The restaurant is normally closed Tuesdays but will be open next week for the event, co-owner and chef Jamie Guerin said.

The burgers -- a blend of American Kobe and Thundering Hooves beef -- start at $9 and go up $1 with each topping offered. The bar will be open, and ice cream will be available for dessert.

Operators were bowled over by the popularity of the event last month. Guerin said he expected maybe 50 or 60 people would turn out for the meal. Instead more than 130 people came. He said those who want to drop in for the meal will be welcome, but reservations could help the event run more smoothly. For more details, call 525-2222.

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Damien Sinnott has been promoted to the vice president of Public Policy and Business Development at the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The position at the Chamber is new, said Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer David Woolson, in an announcement Wednesday. Sinnott previously served as director of Public Policy and Legal Affairs.

In his new position he will continue to develop the organization's public policy efforts, but he will also focus on expanding the Chamber's business and economic development initiatives with the Chamber, its members and community partners, Woolson said.

Before joining the Chamber in 2008, Sinnott was a business and trial attorney with law firms in Portland and North Carolina. He graduated from Whitman College and Syracuse University Law School. Sinnott also serves as president of the board of directors for the Children's Museum of Walla Walla.

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The staff at Blue Mountain Dental Center donated more than $15,000 worth of dental services earlier this month to help put smiles on the faces of children in need.

In honor of National Children's Dental Health Month, the dental office at 1545 Business One Circle dedicated Feb. 4 to the dental needs of 42 kids.

The event was part of Give Kids A Smile, an initiative that partners children in need of dental care with willing professionals. Staff at Blue Mountain Dental Care donated their time and the facility to treat the kids, who ranged in age from 4 to 18. The young participants were provided games and crafts while they waited for clinical staff. They also received free services, including cleanings, exams, X-rays, instructions on proper brushing and healthy food choices, fillings and removal of infected teeth. Referrals were also made to Children's Dental Group of Walla Walla for those with multiple dental problems.

The kids came from within the Walla Walla School District and were screened in their schools with help from Jennifer Douglas and Sally Buccannen Rojo. Dental professionals helping with the program at Blue Mountain Dental Care included owner Dr. Ron Will, his partner Dr. Geoff Stuart and their support team of four dental hygienists, assistants and office staff. Joining them were local dentists Dr. Cameron Stewart, dental hygienist Angela Farrrow, Dr. Eric Gustavsen and pediatric dental assistant Bobbi Wentland.

Strictly Business is a local business column. Vicki Hillhouse can be reached at vickihillhouse@wwub.com or 526-8321.